"I tell him I tried. I tried to keep memory alive; I tried to fight those who would forget. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. There is so much injustice & suffering crying out for our attention. We must take sides. We must interfere. -E.W.

We Can’t Mask Our Feelings

With Sue and I hacking, coughing, and being sick we are all wearing surgical masks. The sick (Sue and myself) and the well (Ryan and the nurse) are required! This way we have protection at both ends. As for me, I might be turning the corner on this but Sue is lagging behind by a day or two.

Our Valentine’s Day e-card to Kari.

Anyhow, I thought we could have a little fun with this situation and decided to create a Valentine’s Day e-card that could be sent to our daughter, Kari. It had to include all of us and have a degree of wit. She would expect nothing else from me. Oh, the pressure.

Getting the picture was the easy part. Creating a catchy tagline was the challenge. Not just any old funny tagline would do either. I had to have the same amount of corniness that we all remember from our days of exchanging cards in elementary school. Who else saved that one special card that came in every box — and only one — for the person you had a crush on that year? Ah, puppy love.

Initially my train of thought was along the line of wearing protection. Funny? Yes. But not quite what I was shooting for to send to my daughter. Hey, I’d rather not seem creepy.

Then it hit me. The perfect tagline. I knew it was so the second it popped into my head. It had the right amount of silliness, while blending the reality of our situation with our true feelings for our daughter.

Too cute and so brilliant! Love it! But did you handmake that card for Sue? I am so fed up with “Made in China,” I could scream! I thought I was being so careful choosing a Valentine that actually looks like a Valentine for my love of almost 54 years that was made in the USA. I presented it to him and after he read it, I proudly boasted, “Look on the back, it says “Made in USA!” He turned it over and replied to my dismay, “You didn’t read the fine print.” Sure enough, at the very bottom in tiny print, “Made in China!” Aarrgg!! I’ve had it! Next year we are making our cards and donating more than $15.00 to our favorite charity. Bet ya can’t guess what that is! LOL 😉 Think of the funds we could raise for Ryan if we all do this! Not telling any of you what to do, but Hallmark and China are getting our money! 🙁 Of course, there are other ways to fight this, too, but this one seems pretty simple to me. 🙂

Hi Ken, I hope you and Sue are starting to feel better. And the Valentine card to Kari — priceless!!! “We can’t mask our feeilngs” = epic stroke of genius!!! Thinking of you all and praying for a fast recovery — sending love, hugs and prayers always.
Paula